At the award ceremony, French Minister of Culture Rashida Dati emphasized the consistency of the state policy on the development of the cultural sphere implemented under the leadership of the President of Uzbekistan, which also contributes to strengthening strategic partnership with France, Dune news agency reports.

According to the Minister of Culture, this high award is a recognition of Uzbekistan's efforts and contribution to strengthening international cultural ties and promoting global dialogue in the field of art. Awarding a representative of Uzbekistan with this order in the presence of official representatives of the Government, the Presidential Administration and the French Foreign Ministry, the diplomatic corps, cultural figures and international partners is a clear evidence of the effectiveness of cultural diplomacy of the New Uzbekistan.

In recent years, cooperation between Uzbekistan and France in the fields of culture and art has reached a new level thanks to a number of key initiatives, from a large-scale exhibition of Uzbek heritage at the Louvre to active participation in international cultural forums.

In this context, the Fund for the Development of Culture and Art of Uzbekistan plays an important role, implementing priority projects in response to the initiatives of the head of state.

The title of Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters is one of the highest degrees of recognition by France for contributions to the field of culture and is awarded annually to no more than 60 personalities around the world.